Hello everyone, and thank you for taking the time to visit this page and read Sam’s story.

My sister Sam was one of a kind. She had a genuine heart of gold and so much love to give. She was always ready to help others—whether through her work with various charitable organisations or by supporting friends and family through their struggles. She often put others before herself. A truly beautiful soul, and one who will be so painfully missed by all of us who were close to her.

Sam had a fearlessness about her—a passion and courage to do what she believed was right at any given time. I could give so many examples, but the one that instantly comes to mind is the day she returned home from her first graduate job after university. She had pretty much decided it wasn’t for her, and instead, she signed up for a three-month volunteer programme in Ghana to help those less fortunate. Once Sam had made up her mind, she had an incredible sense of determination, and very little could stand in the way of her accomplishing her goals.

Most of Sam’s life since then was spent in a few different places—most notably Geneva and Paris—where she worked for NGO charitable organisations, continuing to do her bit to help others. Along the way, she made many close friends, which is a true testament to her character. You couldn’t help but be drawn to someone so genuine, kind-hearted, and all-round magnetic.

Sam had recently moved back to the Llangollen area and was thriving in her new role as Volunteer Coordinator for the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. She was also working as Clinic Manager for the Paris Psychology Centre and was in the final stages of her master’s degree in Psychology, with hopes of becoming a clinical psychologist in the future—once again highlighting her unwavering desire to help people.

On Tuesday, April 15th, our lives changed forever. We received the absolutely heart-shattering news that no brother, no parent, no friend should ever have to hear—that Sam had passed away. It was sudden and devastating. Even now, writing this two weeks on, I still can’t begin to process it. At just 33 years of age, with so much still to give and so many dreams left unfulfilled, she has been taken from us.

As a tribute to Sam, we would like to have a memorial bench installed along a section of the Llangollen Canal. Sam often said how being near water soothed her and helped her feel at ease. We feel this would be a fitting tribute—somewhere passersby can rest their tired legs and take in the calming waters and peaceful views, just as Sam loved to do. It will also give all of us who knew and loved her a quiet, reflective place to sit, remember her, and feel close to her spirit.

The Canal and Rivers trust state on their website that donations of £4000 are required to facilitate the installation of a memorial bench. Obviously this is a huge target, and we dont expect to get very close to this. But any contribution, however small in Sams memory is worth so much.

Thankyou,

George